Laminate flooring looks and feels like real wood floor but it is not the same as hardwood. It is a bit of a hybrid, since it provides the look of hardwood floors, without the initial expense and the special care required once they are installed.
The boards are made of synthetic
materials, basically two thin sheets of paper, impregnated with melamine within
them. The wooden look is achieved by imprinting a photograph of wood grain, and
then covering it with a hard transparent layer. This top most layer prevents
the flooring from getting scratched while it is being used.
Installation
One of the great features about this type of floor is that it can be done even
by amateur homeowners. They come in two types – the snap-on or the glue
together types. The snap-on boards are easier to install, but the glue together
ones are stronger and are less resistant to leaks.
It is possible to install this type
of flooring on top of virtually any type of existing floor and they require
very few tools, just a little bit of care and patience. While installing new
laminate flooring, it is important to ascertain that the sub-floor is correctly
prepared and according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Preventing Scratches
Felt pads must be placed on all the pieces of furniture in the room; be it
chairs, tables or lamps. These felt pads will prevent the furniture from
scratching the surface of the flooring. They are available in all sizes and
they will make it easier to move the chairs around in the room, when required.
Quick Mop-ups
Whenever anything drops on a laminate
floor, it should be cleaned immediately. Any liquids which remain on the floors
can seep through and damage the planks. These may swell and become out of shape
later. A quick mop-up will save a lot of trouble later on.
Sweep Thoroughly
It is best to use a broom with soft bristles or a vacuum cleaner with a soft
brush to pick up the dirt. A wet mop is not a good idea, since it will make the
laminate floor look dull after a certain length of time. The best solution is
to make sure that all the dirt is removed with dry implements such as brooms
and vacuums. Laminate Floor Cleaners
There are many floor cleaners made especially for laminate floors. These
contain the right mix of cleaning ingredients and all that is needed is to just
spray a light mist on the floor and then wipe it up with a clean duster. They
can help the floors regain their lost shine and also make them look good for
years to come.
Long-term Care
Place an area rug in the regions wherever heavy traffic is expected on the
floors. This will prevent them from getting worn out in certain parts.
Furniture or anything else should not be dragged across the floors, since they
will cause indelible scratches on the floors.
